I often wonder if credit reports are intentionally confusing to the consumer, or if it is just a by-product of way too many laws!
Many of my customer base seeking FHA and USDA mortgage loans often asks...."When will that negative item fall off my report"? A very fair question indeed!
Here are some basics on credit bureau reporting time periods as governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Understanding Credit Bureau Reporting Time periods
Delinquencies (30 - 180 days): Can remain seven years from the date of the initial missed payment.
Collection accounts: Remain seven years from the date of the initial missed payment that led to the collection (the original delinquency date). When a collection account is paid in full, it will be marked "paid collection" on the credit report.
Charged-off accounts: Remain seven years from the date of the initial missed payment that led to the charge off (the original delinquency date), even if payments are later made on the charged-off account.
Closed accounts: Closed accounts are accounts that are no longer available for further use. Closed accounts may or may not have a zero balance. Closed accounts with delinquencies remain seven years from the date they are reported closed, whether closed by the creditor or by the consumer. Positive closed accounts remain 10 years.
Lost credit card: If there are no delinquencies, credit cards that are reported lost will continue to be listed for two years from the date the card is reported lost. Delinquent payments that occurred before the card was lost are reported for seven years.
Bankruptcy: Chapters 7, 11, and 12 remain for 10 years from the filing date. Chapter 13 remains seven years from the filing date. Accounts included in bankruptcy will remain seven years from the date they were reported as included in the bankruptcy.
Child support judgments: Remain seven years from the date the judgment is filed.
Civil and small claim judgments: Remain seven years from the date the judgment is filed.
City, county, state, and federal tax liens: Unpaid tax liens remain 15 years from the filing date. Paid tax liens remain seven years from the paid date of the lien.
Inquiries: Most inquiries listed on your credit report will remain for two years. All inquiries must remain for a minimum of one year from the date the inquiry was made. Some inquiries, such as employment or pre-approved offers of credit, will show only to you.
Positive open credit information remains indefinitely and paid positive accounts remain 10 years, making your credit report a great benefit for you in obtaining and using financial services. Negative information is purged from your credit report so that if you have credit problems you will have an opportunity to build a good credit history over time.
While a negative item can plague you for 7-10 years, the truth is that if you rebuild your credit and make all of your payments on time, it will begin to damage you less and less each year. FHA loans become very forgiving after 2 years, while conforming loans impose a more daunting 4 year period.
Talk to me about your specific situation, as I can often suggest some action items that you can begin working on now.
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